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| '''Irulas''' is a ] of ]. They are found in various parts of India, but their main habitat is in the ] district of ]. Their population in this region is at least 25,000. | '''Irulas''' is a ] of ]. They are found in various parts of India, but their main habitat is in the ] district of ]. Their population in this region is at least 25,000. | ||
| Their main occupations are ] and ] catching. They also work as labourers (]s) in the fields of the landlords during the sowing and harvesting seasons or in the rice mills. ] is also a major occupation. | |||
Revision as of 17:03, 29 March 2007
Irulas is a scheduled tribe of India. They are found in various parts of India, but their main habitat is in the Thiruvallur district of Tamil Nadu. Their population in this region is at least 25,000.
Their main occupations are snake and rat catching. They also work as labourers (coolies) in the fields of the landlords during the sowing and harvesting seasons or in the rice mills. Fishing is also a major occupation.
Rats destroy a quarter of the grain grown on Tamil Nadu-area farms annually. To combat this pest, Irula men use a traditional earthen pot fumigation method. Smoke is blown through their mouths, which leads to severe respiratory and heart problems.
References
- Irula Project Proposal and site report
- World Bank grant to improve standard of living for rat-catchers